Singapore Work Visa: Types, Application Process and Eligibility

Whether you are planning to relocate to Singapore or exploring work opportunities, Singapore is a magnet for job seekers. Given its thriving economy, political stability, and multicultural environment, it’s no wonder that Singapore has become a top destination for foreign professionals who want to advance their careers. One of the key steps to working in Singapore is securing the right work visa. However, with various Singapore work visa options, it can be challenging to determine which one suits you best. In this article, we’ll break down the different types of Singapore work visas, their eligibility requirements and how to get a Singapore work visa.

What is a Singapore Work Visa?

A Singapore work visa, also known as a work pass, is a legal document issued by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) that permits foreigners to work in Singapore. Foreigners intending to work in Singapore must obtain a work visa before starting employment. If you are a foreign professional, ensure you possess a valid work visa before commencing work. Likewise, if you are hiring foreign professionals, you need to verify that they hold a valid work visa.

Types of Singapore Work Visas

To stay competitive in the global evolving business landscape, Singapore offers a range of Singapore work visas tailored to different professionals. If you’re unfamiliar with the immigration landscape in Singapore, you might wonder which type of Singapore work visas best fit your career goals. Let’s explore the different kinds of work visas and allow us to help you find the right one: Employment Pass The Employment Pass, a popular work visa, is designed for foreign professionals, managers, and executives seeking employment in Singapore. In addition to meeting the minimum qualifying salary requirements, applicants must pass the Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS). Once you receive a job offer, your employer must apply for the Employment Pass on your behalf. The pass must be renewed every two years for first-time holders and subsequently every three years. Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass) This work visa is designed for foreign professionals with an entrepreneurial spirit keen to start and operate a business in Singapore that is venture-backed or possesses innovative technologies. Before applying, do keep in mind that you must at least meet one of the seven Singapore work visa requirements provided for this pass, which includes holding an intellectual property, having a good business or investment track record, or having a venture capitalist or an angel investor to support your business. The pass needs to be renewed after the first year for first-time holders and subsequently every two years. Personalised Employment Pass (PEP) This work visa is for high-earning existing Employment Pass holders or overseas foreign professionals. If you currently hold an employment pass, you may consider upgrading to this work visa. However, it is valid for three years without possible renewals. Overseas Network & Expertise Pass (ONE) This new personalised visa is for top talent in business, arts, culture, sports, academia and research sectors. It allows holders to work for multiple companies simultaneously or become entrepreneurs or shareholders. Holders do not need to reapply for the pass if they change jobs.

How to Apply for a Singapore Work Visa?

If you are contemplating relocating to Singapore, you may wonder: how to apply for a Singapore work visa. Applying for a Singapore work visa requires several steps. Here’s an overview of the application process: Submit an application: Your employer or an employment agent can apply for the Singapore work visa online through EP eService. They must include the company’s up-to-date business profile in the submission. For foreign professionals, you may engage an immigration partner like Lanturn to apply for a Singapore work visa online on your behalf, as Corppass, a digital identity tool, is required to access EP eService. The Singapore work visa processing time will take 8 weeks or longer if additional documents are required. Receive IPA: If your application is approved, your employer or employment agent will receive an In-Principal Approval (IPA) Letter. Employee Travel: Upon receiving the IPA letter, you can travel to Singapore within 6 months. Issuance of Work Visa: Once in Singapore, your employer or employment agent can apply for a Singapore work visa online. At this stage, the processing of the Singapore work visa fees is required. Notification Letter: Once the pass is issued, the employment agent and yourself will receive a work pass approval letter. This document allows you to start working and enter and exit Singapore as needed until they receive their employment pass card. Receive the Card: MOM will finally deliver the card to the given address within 5 working days after you register at Employment Pass Service Centre (EPSC) and verify your documents. Obtaining a Singapore work visa requires careful preparation and regular application status checks. First-time applicants may find the entire process a little overwhelming. As such, it is recommended to seek professional assistance from someone like Lanturn, who has experience advising foreign professionals on how to get a Singapore work visa.

Singapore Work Visa Requirements & Eligibility Criteria

Work visa requirements in Singapore vary depending on the type of visa. Likewise, each visa has its eligibility criteria. Here’s what you need to know about Singapore work visa requirements before applying:

Type of Pass	Requirements	Eligibility Criteria
Employment Pass	Applicants will need to be highly skilled professionals with a job offer from a Singapore-based company.	Applicants will need to pass a two-stage eligibility framework, which includes meeting the minimum qualifying salary and passing the Point-based Complementarity Assessment Framework (COMPASS). Lanturn can assist with the preliminary assessment to determine a rough range of salary for the company.
Entrepreneur Pass (EntrePass)	Applicants will need to start and operate a business in Singapore.	Applicants have started or intend to start a private limited company that is registered with ACRA. Alternatively, their company has to be backed by venture capitalists or own innovative technologies.
Personalised Employment Pass (PEP)	Applicants have to be high-earning professionals who hold an EP and want greater job flexibility.	Applicants will need to earn a fixed monthly salary of S$22,500.
Overseas Network & Expertise Pass (ONE)	Applicants will have to be top talent in the business, arts and culture, sports, academia, and research sectors.	Applicants will need to earn a fixed monthly salary of at least S$30,000 (or its equivalent in foreign currencies) for 12 consecutive months before the application deadline. Otherwise, applicants must indicate that they will earn the same salary under their future employer.

Singapore Work Visa Processing Time

Understanding the Singapore work visa fees and processing time is crucial. The fees will be based on the specific type of visa you are applying for. The Singapore work visa processing time depends on the type of visa you are applying for. It typically ranges between 10 working days and 8 weeks. It may even take longer if MOM requires additional documents from you during the processing time.

How to Check Singapore Work Visa Status

After submitting your application, the next step is to check your work visa application status. MOM has simplified the process. To check your Singapore work visa status, you need a Corppass to log on to EP eService. Foreign professionals will need an employment agent to assist.

Common Reasons for Work Visa rejections & How to Avoid them

Obtaining a work visa to work in Singapore is a significant career step. However, there can be common pitfalls during the application process, especially when rushed. Therefore, understanding these pitfalls and how to avoid them will significantly improve your chances of getting your application approved. Here are some common reasons for work visa rejections and tips on how to avoid them: Incomplete application Incomplete applications are a common reason for rejection, often due to missing mandatory fields. To avoid this mistake, you may want to review your form thoroughly to ensure every field has been filled in and nothing is missing. A complete form is essential for approval. Missing documentations Another common pitfall is missing documents. This involves not submitting the required paperwork, up-to-date information, or even incorrect information. This can lead to visa rejection. To avoid this, use a checklist to ensure you have the necessary paperwork. Double-check the required documents before filling out the application form. Missed deadlines Deadlines can be stressful, but missing one can jeopardise your chances of getting your application approved. To improve your chances of approval, mark the essential dates in the calendar and set reminders to submit on time. Failure to Meet Requirements Work visa eligibility requirements are often updated, and in this instance, MOM recently raised the minimum qualifying salary requirements under COMPASS for employment passes. Failure to meet certain requirements is one of the common reasons for visa rejection. To avoid this, ensure you have carefully reviewed the requirements stated for the specific visa before submitting the application.

Simplify your Singapore Work Visa Process with Lanturn

With the various work visas available, navigating the world of work passes in Singapore can feel overwhelming. At Lanturn, we specialise in guiding professionals to the right Singapore work visa, such as advising on the Singapore work visa price. As a MOM-licenced service provider with an exceptional 99% success rate, we have addressed challenging work visa issues over the years and seen the application completed. Trust us to simplify the process and ensure a smooth application experience. Get in touch with our team today for personalised assistance with your Singapore work visa application.